On March 21, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to initiate the process of closing the federal Department of Education. This decision follows four decades of federal involvement in education, with supporters arguing that such involvement has led to poor academic performance despite significant financial investment. The executive order aims to transfer control of educational policy and funding from the federal government back to state governments, allowing local communities to tailor educational approaches to better meet their needs.

The article highlights a strong response from various state governors and lawmakers who have praised the executive order as a necessary reform. They emphasize that education should be managed at the state and community level, with many expressing the belief that parents and local educators are better equipped to make decisions regarding students’ education. The order is framed as a step toward reducing federal bureaucracy, with supporters contending that it will enhance accountability and improve student outcomes.

Critics of the Department of Education’s longstanding role argue that it has not delivered the expected results, citing a decline in student performance despite increasing expenditures. The article includes numerous statements from political figures affirming their commitment to this shift, advocating for a return to local control and reduced federal oversight in education. This executive action signifies a significant change in the federal approach to education policy, aimed at promoting greater educational freedom and accountability at the state level.

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